Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (2024)

ByParmita Uniyal

Sep 05, 2021 12:04 PM IST

Eating almonds after soaking them can significantly improve their health benefits by way of better nutrient availability and digestibility, says Dietician Shruti Bharadwaj.

Many people follow their grandmother's advice when they soak almonds before eating them, while others may want to get rid of the slightly bitter taste of its peel. What if you think overnight soaking of the nutritious nuts is too much of a hassle? Are soaked almonds actually better than its raw or roasted form? Let's find out from a dietician.

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (1)

Almonds are packed with nutrients and an excellent source of fibre, proteins, Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorous...and the list goes on. From weight loss, good bone health, improving your moods, lowering risk of heart diseases, cancer to diabetes, many health studies vouch by the many benefits of a regular consumption of almonds. As per a study, people can reduce their breast cancer risk by consuming higher quantities of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, compared with those who did not. Another one proves that almonds significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow. Type 2 Diabetes patients too benefit by consumption of almonds as the magnesium helps to manage blood sugar levels.

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After coming to know about so many benefits of almonds, if you are heading towards your kitchen to take a handful of them, here's a reminder to soak them overnight first. That's correct. Eating almonds after soaking them can significantly improve their health benefits by way of better nutrient availability and digestibility.

ALSO READ: 10 benefits of almonds

Shruti Bharadwaj, Senior Clinical Dietician, Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispeciality Hospital Ahmedabad, tells us more about what happens when you soak your almonds before consuming them.

Benefits of eating soaked almonds

1. Improves digestibility: In terms of digestion, soaked almonds are better than raw or roasted. Anything that we soak, be it almonds or any other thing, is easy to chew and softer for the digestive system to break down. Almond is a rich source of antioxidants and when we soak them, the benefits multiply.

2. More nutrition: When we soak almonds, its nutrient-availability gets better and when we eat them the benefits of antioxidants and fibre get enhanced. The process of soaking also removes impurities that could prevent absorption of certain nutrients.

3. Aids weight loss: When we soak almonds, it releases few enzymes like lipase which boosts our metabolism and aids in weight loss.

4. Removes phytic acid: When we do not soak almonds, the phytic acid in them is not removed which ultimately hinders nutrient absorption. So if you are having raw almonds, the zinc and iron in them are not properly utilized by the body.

It is better to eat soaked almonds especially in old age when digestive issues and dental problems may be on rise, as the process of soaking helps to make them soft and easy to digest.

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News / Lifestyle / Health / Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (2024)

FAQs

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel? ›

Removes phytic acid: When we do not soak almonds, the phytic acid in them is not removed which ultimately hinders nutrient absorption. So if you are having raw almonds, the zinc and iron in them are not properly utilized by the body.

Why should we eat almonds after soaking and removing the peel? ›

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Soaked almonds are easier to digest, which allows your body to absorb essential nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium more effectively. This translates to greater health benefits and overall nutritional support.

Is it better to eat almonds with skin or without skin? ›

You can safely eat almonds with skin or without. Eating almonds that have been soaked but not peeled may be healthier, but it isn't more nutrient-dense than doing so raw. Almonds with skin or without both have health benefits. Soaking almonds every day is an excellent way to nourish yourself.

What are the benefits of eating soaked almonds in an empty stomach? ›

Ease Digestion: Besides being easy to digest, soaked almonds are easy on the stomach. Soaking almonds softens them, making it easier for the body to break down, and helps it absorb nutrients optimally. It reduces enzyme inhibitors and initiates enzymatic activity, making it easy for the body to digest them.

How many almonds should I eat a day? ›

During an event on almonds, Ritika Samaddar, the Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare addressed this dilemma. She said, that for adults, eating 20-25 almonds a day is a healthy intake of nuts. For children, it limit of around 10 is a decent approach.

Why we should not eat almonds without soaking? ›

The skin of almonds is difficult to digest, and therefore Ayurveda recommends soaking the almonds and peeling the skin to improve the digestibility of almonds. When you eat almonds without soaking and peeling off the skin, it will aggravate Pitta in the blood.

How many almonds to soak overnight? ›

Put a few almonds (6-8) in a bowl. Wash them thoroughly and then add drinking water to a bowl and soak them. You may sprinkle 1 tsp of salt for every 1 cup of nuts (optional) Leave the covered bowl to sit on the countertop overnight.

How many almonds should I eat for skin? ›

Your skin loves almonds too.

One serving of 23 almonds (about an ounce) provides 50% of your daily recommended vitamin E needs. You'll find 8% of the Daily Value for zinc. Zinc contributes to the integrity of healthy skin. Two B vitamins contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.

Are there any side effects of eating almonds? ›

Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, and consuming them as part of a balanced diet is beneficial. However, one should consume them in reasonable amounts as an overdose can cause vitamin E toxicity. It can cause adverse health effects like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

Do soaking almonds lose nutrients? ›

Enhanced Nutrient Availability: Soaking almonds enhances the availability of nutrients and antioxidants. The process not only releases enzymes like lipase, boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss but also removes impurities that could hinder nutrient absorption.

What happens if we eat soaked almonds at night? ›

Eating soaked almonds before bed not only enhances your sleep quality, but may also increase their nutrient content. The health benefits of almonds are no secret and have been hailed for centuries for their brain, hair, and skin-boosting properties.

Why must I discard the water I soaked almonds in? ›

Do you need to drain the water after soaking nuts and seeds? Yes, it's generally a good idea to drain the water after soaking nuts and seeds. Soaking helps remove enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making them easier to digest and increasing nutrient availability.

Which is better, raw almonds or soaked almonds? ›

"Soaked almonds and walnuts are healthier than having them raw, because the process of soaking makes them more digestible and more easily absorbed in the body. So, all the nutrients and vitamins that they have, almost doubled up in the bio availability of those vitamins, when they are consumed soaked.

What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Which almonds are the healthiest? ›

Mamra almonds are considered to be one of the healthiest types of almonds in the world. These almonds are grown in Iran and have been a part of the country's traditional cuisine for centuries.

Is 20 almonds a day too much? ›

Just remember 1-2-3. 1 ounce of almonds, or about 23 almond nuts, is the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. And if you're not a big counter, think of it as a handful and snack on.

What are the side effects of soaked almonds? ›

Eating too many soaked almonds can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially if you're not used to consuming them. Start with a small portion and gradually increase to avoid this issue. Some individuals may be allergic to almonds.

Which is better, soaked almonds vs dry almonds? ›

Soaked almonds have several advantages. They are considered easier to digest compared to their dry counterparts. Soaking softens the almonds, making them more digestible as it breaks down the pulses. Furthermore, soaking enhances the nutritional and antioxidant content of almonds.

How long do soaked and peeled almonds last? ›

Soaked and peeled almonds will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if they are stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

Should we drink the water of soaked almonds? ›

The purpose of soaking almonds is to get rid of tannins in its skin. So if you want to defeat the purpose, go ahead and drink it. (please don't) You can, though, eat the soaked almond without removing the skin. Also, soaking activates the seeds as it initiates the enzymatic processes necessary for germination.

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